Ravenna-Wifi Hot Spot-Beach

After we left the tomb there was a souvenir shop with a free Wifi Hot spot outside on a cement step. So we all gathered there and stayed online for a bout an hour. We decided to go back to the ship so we walked back to the center of town and hopped on the bus and went back to the ship. Travis, Bud and I decided to walk over to a beach that was near the ship to swim. It was just a 7 minute walk. I watched our stuff while Bud and Travis went into the drink and then Bud watch the stuff while I went in. Travis swam out a ways and touched a flag that bordered where the boats could be apart from the swimmers. I wanted to do it to, and for the most part we could touch the bottom of the sea. So I finally was able to touch the flag and then started back to the shore. Well for some reason I was beginning to panic. I knew I could do it and if not I could always float on my back. Travis never know of this little anxiety I had, it didn't last long and he kept saying you can probably touch now, but I couldn't and then a little bit later I tried to touch again. When I finally was able to touch I was so relieved! Next time I will just look at the darn flag!!!!

It was so fun to swim and then walk back to the ship and be on board way before we needed to be. Took a shower and settled on my balcony and read my book. What a great day!!!

Ravenna-Arian Baptistry-Dante's Tomb

Around the year 500 the Arian Baptistry was built. The ceiling of the Baptistry shows an appealing transparency of Jesus standing in the Jordan River awaiting baptism. The mosaics are from the 6th century and are very beautiful.

We then walked over to Dante's Tomb. Dante, 1265-1321 was an author and poet. He was know as The Divine Poet and was the greatest Italian poet. In exile of his hometown of Florence, he died on 9/4/1321 in Ravenna after he finished his book "The Divine Comedy." The book was about Dante's travels through Hell, Purgatory and Heaven.

Ravenna-Last Stop on the Pacific Princess

Yes, it is a sad day :( We have this last day of our time on our beautiful ship the Pacific Princess! But we cannot remain sad too long, we are together in a beautiful city on the east coast of Italy, Ravenna. In the morning, after breakfast and some laundry, we catch a bus provided by Princess into Ravenna. There are a few historic churches we want to see. First was the Church of San Vitale completed in 547 and is well known for its fine 6th century Byzantine mosaics.

Then we walked across town to the Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and that is where we bumped into Travis, Carleigh and Brittany. This church was built around 500 and the mosaics along the sides show a double procession toward the altar. The three Magi lead a long file of virgins on the left side, balanced by a similar line of martyrs on the right side.

Dubrovnik, Croatia-Beautiful Walled City

Dubrovnik is a picturesque walled city along the Dalmatian coast in Croatia. Bud and I decided not to take a shore excursion and we took a taxi into the old part of the city inside the walls. It was lovely!

These pictures are from the balcony and upper part of the ship when we were coming into port.

The Princess Patter-Daily Guide to Life at Sea

I just had an idea! And it hurt! Just kidding, although not really. I have been trying to unwind here at home and try to catch up on all the things one has to do when one gets back to reality. But I also want to finish this blog because we had such a wonderful trip that I want to share the whole trip. We have even played Trivia two times this week at our favorite Trivia bars because that is the only reason I go to bars :). All these years, I never went into bars because I don't drink. Once a year, or two, I have a Kahlua with cream, light on the Kahlua and heavy on the cream, usually at Christmas at my brother and sister in laws house. A bit of merriment, well actually they are rather tasty. But our son started playing Trivia in a bar in downtown Oregon City with Theatre friends and he invited us and we are hooked, line and sinker! We love it! We are not the best, but ever so often we are of some assistance, but it is so fun even if we are tired we go. Well anyway we are tired and that is why I say it hurts to think!

But anyway, where was I? Oh yes, I had an idea that I would take a picture of The Princess Patter, the guide that we received every evening in our room. It gave information on everything that would be happening on the ship that next day. That was so fun to get because I could circle those things I wanted to do! I loved it, especially those two whole days after our marathon sight seeing of the 4 days before. So hopefully you can read it, get out your magnifying glass!!!

This will give you some idea of what you can do on a ship!

Two Whole Days at Sea-Days of Rest!

We did it! We made it through 4 days of moving our butts to places of divine sights! We didn't have much time to process all that we saw and all the we felt and all that we touched. That is starting to happen now back on the ship, back into our own beds, not moving around in the over 100 degree heat, and back to my balcony which I have missed so much! Oh and yes the food, I have missed our waiter Carlos because he takes care of us at dinner. He puts the napkins on our laps and when he delivers our food he says wow wow wee! Where else can you get that kind of service? Oh and I have missed the vanilla sauce served with most of the desserts, I love vanilla sauce! So I will let you see what relaxing looks like, no sightseeing just kick back time!

Sorry I do not have pictures of us playing Trivia, or eating, or sleeping! I don't have pictures of me taking Zumba or Lind Dancing or relaxing by the pool. Cause I was relaxing and didn't want the structure of taking pictures so I just relaxed! If you ever want a vacation that is just totally wonderful, take a cruise!